Conan O’Brien Says Anger Is Ruining Political Comedy

Comedian and former late-night host Conan O’Brien is pushing back on what he sees as a growing problem in modern comedy: performers who substitute anger for humor when talking about President Donald Trump.

Speaking during an appearance at the Oxford Union, O’Brien argued that comedy loses its power when it becomes little more than “screaming.” While some comics insist that the political moment is too serious to be funny, O’Brien disagreed, saying humor should always remain the core tool of a comedian’s craft.

Why ‘Just Screaming’ Falls Flat

O’Brien criticized performers whose entire act revolves around repeatedly attacking Trump, saying they’ve been “co-opted by anger.” In his view, that rage replaces what should be a comedian’s sharpest weapon: wit.

“When you’re just yelling and angry,” O’Brien said, “you’ve lost your best tool in the toolbox.” He argued that comedy works best when it channels frustration into something clever, unexpected, and genuinely funny — not when it becomes a repetitive expression of outrage.

Trump and the Satire Problem

O’Brien also pushed back on the idea that Trump has been “good for comedy.” Instead, he suggested Trump’s habit of saying outrageous things makes effective satire harder, not easier. When reality becomes exaggerated on its own, parody struggles to find footing.

At the same time, O’Brien said nonstop attacks on Trump can be just as creatively limiting, boxing comedians into predictable routines that prioritize venting over originality.

Art, Impulse, and Restraint

While O’Brien acknowledged holding strong political views, he said comedy doesn’t always follow a controlled or ideological script. Much of what he does, he explained, comes from impulse rather than intention — and forcing comedy into a political megaphone can drain it of its artistry.

O’Brien has voiced similar concerns before, arguing that political comedy works best when it’s sharp, surprising, and funny — not when it simply declares its anger. His message to comedians was clear: humor, not outrage, is what keeps comedy alive.